****(POV)

I slowly open my eyes. A black Gu with seemingly thousands of legs and incredible venom is just there resting on my nose.

"Morning, all."

I slowly shake myself awake, sending countless Gus on the ground. Then they slowly come back toward me as I do my morning stretches. I do try to take care of my body, not to the point of training it but at least enough to be able to run and dodge.

After all, one should remember that Gus in general are especially suited for attack. Protecting with poison is hard for sure.

Today is the big day. Today is the day we enter the Gu Rearing Land. Most would expect this to be a specific date chosen for specific obscure reasons, but really it was just picked on a whim. I slowly make my way toward it.

As I get there, a small crowd awaits me. About 30 disciples are awaiting anxiously shivering or confidently while strutting around arrogantly. I do get the feeling some are acting arrogant to forget how much they are scared shitless.

I'm carrying my huge bulging backpack. It is filled to the brim with various food products, but it is specially made not to let out any smell whatsoever when it's closed. I don't want to paint a target on my back for sure.

As they see my getup, they all start laughing aloud, many even pointing. Apparently, they find me to be a great comedic relief. I can hear the current number one Gu trainer snickering:

"Did you mistake this for hiking? We are heading in one of the most dangerous areas known to man. What do you think this is? A picnic perhaps, is that it?"

The man's body language is screaming, "I'm looking down on you", especially his crossed arms and the playful look he uses. That is what happens in society when one is different, even if that difference is very slight. Still, I'm used to it.

Others chime in too:

"You should just quit the sect right now. It would save you a painful death in there. "

"You should have left when your senior uncle kicked the bucket."

"A dumbass like you will only cause trouble in there!"

"In there, you better not let me see you or…."

We are all Gu trainers. I simply care more about my creatures. Of course, to them, I am a deviant and a fool. Sometimes I tell myself that the only reason they love to make fun of me is their own insecurities.

More often than not, the guys that are doubting themselves the most are the loudest in their confident speech. But talk is cheap. Soon we'll be inside, and there won't be any of that bullshit. It will simply be survive or die.

Then the ones that perform well will manage to tame outstanding Gus. That is my goal. Ah, but I won't risk my life for it. There are so many tales of a disciple finding an incredible Gu just to be killed by it.

I want the power to decide my own fate. You can't decide for yourself when dead. The jeers keep coming for a few minutes before they become seriously tired of it. I'm not reacting, so they may as well be insulting a pebble on the roadside. Actually, a pebble would care more than I do.

Before long, the sect leader swings by. He enlightens us with a great speech, a very motivating one.

"Most of you are going to die but try not to. Whoever survives, we will meet here afterward. Good luck!"

Along with these simple words, the door to the sewers is opened. It does so with a nightmarish creaking. That is when they appear. Tons of wild Gus throw themselves toward the exit. Releasing them all at once is enough to destroy most of the sect for sure.

I can hear people nervously gulping around me. Some are scoffing, for they know what will happen. The sect leader takes out a single Gu, one called a Fake-Dragon-Gu. As it appears, the charging Gus all suddenly stop in their tracks.

This Gu is crazy strong. It has both venom and sturdiness. It's a demonic insect, but somehow its exoskeleton reminds one of a dragon. It roars slightly as they all scurry away in complete fear.

Its appearance almost looks comical. But just its presence renders the air heavy, and any of his roars make the humans around feel like they are nothing but mere trash.

Under its watchful eye, we enter the place. Pretty much everyone's steps are heavy. Some because of their fear, some because of their expectations, and me because of my backpack. I can hear everyone's breathing becoming faster as they step in.

I am definitely leaving these guys as soon as possible. It is vital to keep a calm and steady front in such a place. That is something I discovered: Gus are actually able to read humans.

Some Gus are able to understand human language, some aren't, but they all know how to read body language. Not the subtle kind but the most primal one. Excitement, fear, happiness, despair, that kind of thing.

If these guys show their fear like that, it will be like advertising themselves as walking snacks. Needless to say, I'd rather not be included in that category. Honestly, I'm more worried about the humans than the Gus.

The Gus are straightforward. Quite ironic how much more poisonous humans can be with their backstabs and schemes. A Gu will go at you with the intent to kill. Once it is subdued, as long as you don't fuck up, it will be fine.

With humans, you simply never know. They could betray you for wealth, for power, or perhaps even they have always been acting.

Before long, everyone scatters. Some small cliques are formed, especially around the Gu trainers that are considered the most powerful in the group. Of course, the strongest goes alone as I do. For him, there is no need to worry much. He already has a very powerful Gu that he has been rearing a while back. For him, it is all about getting a backup Gu.

I can see him leave confidently. As he walks by me, he murmurs: "If we meet in there, I will kill you."

Why so much hostility? One guy already said that line before!

His hostility is for a dumb reason, really. My senior uncle did lots of good, but he also told the guy that he'd never come close to even reaching my ankle. My uncle was drunk when he said it, but he has hated me to the bone ever since that day.

Well, whatever. I don't plan on meeting him either. Let's go in the opposite direction, shall we? This is my moment to shine!...